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Letter to the Editor: Public safety remains primary concern

Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson

Updated:
Feb. 6, 2018, 10:10 p.m.

Most would probably agree that dispute and conflict is
not desired between elected officials. However I steadfastly believe that in
certain cases it is necessary and appropriate, especially where public safety
and service are concerned. The recent civil case involving this office and the board
of commissioners is a prime example.

Now that the action has been heard and is under
consideration, it is important to address our community in order to share the
reasons behind this dispute.

In 2015, former Sheriff Billy Carlisle requested the Georgia
Sheriffs’ Association complete a staffing study to determine staffing needs.
The data used to compile this study were taken from Dawson County statistics. Staffing
formulas developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police were
also used to determine manpower needs.

In 2015, the study determined that 139 positions were
needed to adequately staff our sheriff’s office. Three years later and going
into the 2018 budget, there were 112 allotted positions. Statistical evidence
produced from 2015 to 2017 confirmed an increase in calls for service,
accidents, numerous crimes, etc. It has always been our assertion that the
sheriff’s office was understaffed in 2015 and as the years continue to pass, we
get further and further behind.

Entering into the 2018 budget year, we did not request
all of the 139 positions. It was our hope that the BOC would release previously
frozen positions and work together to plan for future staffing, however this
did not occur.

In addition, funding was requested for SWAT
training/equipment and to pay a supplement in order to have our shift personnel
attend a shift change briefing prior to reporting for duty. Dawson County
continues to be one of the only law enforcement agencies that does not conduct
shift change briefings.

It is imperative that our shift members report for an
organized briefing prior to assuming their assigned duties. This briefing is
designed to allow for personnel/equipment inspection, zone assignments, BOLO
information, special detail information/instructions, extra patrols, etc. This
information exchange is critical to ensure that personnel are prepared and ready
to assume their roles. Shift change also serves to ensure that continuous coverage
is provided to our community.

This civil action has always been about the safety and
security of our community. Contrary to published reports, the requested
staffing has always been intended to increase patrol officers as well as
provide for other components that are in dire need of staff.

As our county grows, we continue to experience the
outside influx of criminals and criminal activity. These changes have resulted
in more egregious crimes being committed. All too often, our officers are faced
with multiple offenders and more serious crimes. These crimes require multiple unit
responses which unfortunately require that other zone assignments be vacated
to accommodate backup. This is not acceptable to your sheriff’s office and to
our community. Adequate staffing would make it safer for our community as well
as our law enforcement professionals.

As we continue to address this dispute, we remain open to
working together to find a solution. However, our priority will always lie with
our people. We remain committed to fighting for our community and our law
enforcement professionals. I am convinced that we can take great steps to reduce
crime and make our community safer; but we must provide for the staffing, tools
and equipment to do so.

I understand that this action may be viewed as unpopular
by some. However, as your sheriff, I firmly stand behind this decision. I would
be failing in my duties as your sheriff, if I did not fight for our community
on all fronts.